Media365
Tennis legend Bjorn Borg has disclosed in his forthcoming memoir “Heartbeats” that he was diagnosed with an “extremely aggressive” prostate cancer. He recently informed The Associated Press that his cancer is in remission following surgery in 2024.“I have nothing right now. But every six months I have to go and check myself. The whole process, it’s not a fun thing,” Borg, 69, said in a recent video interview with the AP from his home in Stockholm. “But I’m OK. I’m fine. And I’m feeling very good.”Borg achieved remarkable success with 11 Grand Slam singles titles, including six French Open victories from 1974 to 1981 and five consecutive Wimbledon championships from 1976-80. He retired at age 26, later making a brief comeback.The memoir, co-written with his wife Patricia over approximately 2.5 years, explores various aspects of his life including drug use, relationships, and family dynamics. The book will be released in Britain on September 18 and in the U.S. on September 23.“I went through some difficult times, but (it’s) a relief for me to do this book,” Borg said. “I feel so much better.”
Borg had been regularly monitoring himself for prostate cancer for many years. He explained the subtle nature of the condition.“The thing is that you don’t feel anything — you feel good, and then it’s just happened.”His doctors discovered concerning test results in September 2023. Despite medical advice against travel, Borg chose to attend the Laver Cup in Vancouver as Team Europe’s captain.Upon returning to Sweden, he underwent additional tests that confirmed the cancer diagnosis. He faced a waiting period until his February 2024 surgery.“Psychologically … very difficult, because who knows what’s going to happen?”His most recent tests in August showed positive results with no signs of cancer.In his memoir, Borg addresses his battle with cancer directly: “Now I have a new opponent in cancer — one I can’t control. But I’m going to beat it. I’m not giving up. I fight like every day is a Wimbledon final. And those usually go pretty well, don’t they?”
